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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – As shoppers and stores prepare for the biggest shopping day of the year, law enforcement is reminding shoppers to be smart.

A lot of these tips are common sense, but in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, they are easy to forget.

Here are some tips for you to keep in mind while you get your holiday shopping done:

Avoid wearing expensive jewelry when shopping or carrying a lot of cash. Cards can be reported stolen if anything happens.

Try to park in a well-lit area and remember to stay alert to your surroundings.

Do not leave valuable items inside your vehicles, especially in plain sight, while parked at shopping outlets or even by your home. Remove valuable items from your vehicle or move them to a trunk.

If possible, avoid having packages delivered to your home if you are not going to be able to pick them up. Have them delivered to a P.O. Box, alternate address/family member or even a neighbor, if possible.

Do not leave your vehicle unattended and running with the keys inside. This is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle theft.

The holidays can bring out the best in a lot of people but they also provide a lot of opportunities for criminals to strike too.

Colorado Springs police said they will have additional officers in shopping centers and anyone who sees something suspicious is asked to notify them.